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joshhansonhorror's review
4.0
Necessary and thoughtful reading. Dares to begin to dream about a better America.
paigereitz's review
5.0
This book is incredibly emotional and fact-filled. This is so important to read to understand race in American politics.
rachellinnmartin's review
4.25
So informative, noticing the fact that it was written before 2016 at the end was a good reminder that I know so much less than I think I do. Gave me lots of facts (with helpful explanations) that I’m able to reference on a regular basis. Readable enough that I actually finished it instead of getting halfway and forgetting about it for 2 years. Highly recommend. And I recommend you look up the author and follow him.
mconant's review against another edition
4.0
Very eye opening book. -1 Star for the very evident biases of the author coloring the perspective of the events talked about.
shelfiegen's review
5.0
The main problem I have with this book is that I am not sure how I can get it in the hands of those who need to read it most. The ones who would, in my opinion benefit the most. I believe it is essential reading for any white person who considers himself or herself an ally. This review will have to be from that perspective, as I cannot speak from any other.
As the book’s sub-title suggests, a good portion of time is spent speaking about the present day because race still “enslaves” us. Professor Eddie S. Glaude Jr. provides the historical context for why things are the way they are but this book is not just a history lesson. The focus is 2016 and beyond, and I appreciate that. Glaude does not pretend to have every answer because, even if he does, those would hardly fit into 250 pages. However, he does an amazing job of framing the discussions so that the causes, and not effects, are addressed.
For the complete review, please head to my website ShelfieGeneration.com: https://shelfiegeneration.com/2016/03/08/shelfiegen-review-democracy-in-black-by-eddie-s-glaude-jr/
As the book’s sub-title suggests, a good portion of time is spent speaking about the present day because race still “enslaves” us. Professor Eddie S. Glaude Jr. provides the historical context for why things are the way they are but this book is not just a history lesson. The focus is 2016 and beyond, and I appreciate that. Glaude does not pretend to have every answer because, even if he does, those would hardly fit into 250 pages. However, he does an amazing job of framing the discussions so that the causes, and not effects, are addressed.
For the complete review, please head to my website ShelfieGeneration.com: https://shelfiegeneration.com/2016/03/08/shelfiegen-review-democracy-in-black-by-eddie-s-glaude-jr/
socraticgadfly's review
5.0
This is simply an excellent book on the current status of race relations in America. Glaude doesn't hesitate to call out black liberal leaders, including our nation's first "post-racial" president, as being part of the problem more than part of the solution. He has quotes from Obama from 2008 and before showing that, even then, Obama was ready to give the Bill Cosby speech more than truly dealing with underclass black problems.
He extends this issue to black "movement" leaders. Al Sharpton gets repeatedly called out, over Ferguson and Black Lives Matters issues. Jesse Jackson does to a somewhat lesser extent, only because Sharpton has passed his image level.
Glaude also notes that class does complicate some black issues.
At the same time, he ties that issue back to black liberal leaders, talking about how they, in essence, espouse black trickle-down economics.
Honest throughout and searing at times. Glaude, as a professor of both African-American studies and of religion, has a good perch from which he writes this.
He extends this issue to black "movement" leaders. Al Sharpton gets repeatedly called out, over Ferguson and Black Lives Matters issues. Jesse Jackson does to a somewhat lesser extent, only because Sharpton has passed his image level.
Glaude also notes that class does complicate some black issues.
At the same time, he ties that issue back to black liberal leaders, talking about how they, in essence, espouse black trickle-down economics.
Honest throughout and searing at times. Glaude, as a professor of both African-American studies and of religion, has a good perch from which he writes this.
madetofly's review
5.0
Democracy in Black discusses many of the current race issues and movements in the United States, and it often does so by connecting them back to the past. I think it does a really nice job of it. The book itself discusses the different political positions most common within the black community and the different ways they look at race, including current power structures that have been created.
I think this is an excellent book for anyone wanting to learn more about what is currently happening in the black community, including movements like #BlackLivesMatter. The book does a great job of laying out where it all comes from, and the author discusses his own belief as to what needs to be done. Not everyone is going to agree with him, but regardless of that, I think his words are ones worth listening to.
This book contains so much information that everybody today should know, and it's one that will definitely have you thinking as you read.. I would recommend it to everyone.
I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review.
http://hmweasley-blog.blogspot.com/2016/01/book-review-democracy-in-black-how-race.html
I think this is an excellent book for anyone wanting to learn more about what is currently happening in the black community, including movements like #BlackLivesMatter. The book does a great job of laying out where it all comes from, and the author discusses his own belief as to what needs to be done. Not everyone is going to agree with him, but regardless of that, I think his words are ones worth listening to.
This book contains so much information that everybody today should know, and it's one that will definitely have you thinking as you read.. I would recommend it to everyone.
I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review.
http://hmweasley-blog.blogspot.com/2016/01/book-review-democracy-in-black-how-race.html
thatbookstoreguy's review
5.0
Glaude writes with a passion, a rage, and an emotional and intellectual depth that is supremely reminiscent of an often quoted writer in his work, James Baldwin. His ideas are sharp, and his gaze at the situation in America, especially liberal America, is a much needed one. He does not allow for, as MLK Jr. called them, 'the white moderate' get away clean - and how certain thinking allows us to get to the point of The Capitol Riot from only a few weeks ago. Reading this book, even though it was written four years ago, helped put into perspective that seditious act, and how sadly unsurprising it should have been to all of us, knowing the history of the concept of whiteness in America.
Glaude was necessary reading in 2016, and he's necessary reading now.
Glaude was necessary reading in 2016, and he's necessary reading now.